CN107106804B

CN107106804B - Adaptive buckling member in a patient interface device

Info

Publication number: CN107106804B
Application number: CN201580068814.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·S·格拉斯豪; R·奥格雷迪; R·W·拜科; L·P·霍德科夫斯基
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2014-12-18
Filing date: 2015-12-10
Publication date: 2020-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-10
Also published as: WO2016097948A1; EP3233169B1; CN107106804A; US20170368286A1; EP3233169B8; JP2017537729A; US10758697B2; AU2015365496A1; EP3233169A1

Abstract

A wearable device (8, 60, 70, 86) structured to apply a contact pressure between the wearable device and a skin surface of a wearer, such as a patient interface device for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient, the wearable device comprising: a first member (18, 72, 96) configured to have a first pressure applied thereto, such as a panel member; a contact member (14, 74) configured to apply the contact pressure to the skin surface in response to the first pressure, such as a sealing cushion; and a support member (20, 62, 78) positioned between the first member and the contact member, the support member including a plurality of compression members (40, 52, 54, 64, 84), wherein each of the compression members is configured to flex in response to pressure having at least a first predetermined level being applied to the support member.

Description

Adaptive buckling member in a patient interface device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No.62/093,843 filed 2014, 12, 18, based on 35u.s.c. § 119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to wearable devices, such as, but not limited to, patient interface devices structured to deliver a flow of breathing gas to a patient, and more particularly to wearable devices, such as patient interface devices, that employ a support member structured to provide adaptive flexion to improve the fit and comfort of the wearer.

Background

There are many situations in which it is necessary or desirable to deliver a flow of breathing gas to the airway of a patient in a non-invasive manner (i.e., without intubating the patient or surgically inserting a tracheal tube into the esophagus of the patient). For example, it is known to ventilate a patient using a technique known as non-invasive ventilation. It is also known to deliver Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy to treat certain medical conditions, the most well-known of which is OSA. Known PAP therapies include: continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), in which a continuous positive pressure is provided to the patient's airway in order to open the patient's airway; and variable airway pressure, wherein the pressure provided to the airway of the patient varies with the patient's respiratory cycle. Typically, these therapies are provided to the patient during the night when the patient is sleeping.

Non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies as just described involve placing a patient interface device that includes a mask component having a soft, flexible sealing cushion on the face of a patient. The mask component may be, without limitation, a nasal mask that covers the patient's nose, a nasal/oral mask that covers the patient's nose and mouth, a nasal cushion that sits under the patient's nose (such as a "pillow" style nasal cushion having nasal prongs that are received within the patient's nares or a "saddle" style nasal cushion that sits under and covers the patient's nares), or a full face mask that covers the patient's face. These patient interface devices may also employ other patient contacting components, such as forehead supports, cheek pads, and chin pads. The patient interface device is connected to a gas delivery tube or conduit and connects the ventilator or pressure support device with the airway of the patient so that a flow of breathing gas may be delivered from the pressure/flow generating device to the airway of the patient.

It is known to hold these devices on the face of a wearer by a headgear having one or more straps adapted to fit over/around the head of the patient. The headgear typically wraps around the patient's head in order to apply the necessary force normal to the face to achieve a suitable seal.

During treatments such as OSA treatment, over-tensioning of the straps of the mask headgear frequently occurs. Over-tensioning is undesirable because it often results in discomfort, facial red marks, pressure marks, and/or open wounds. Thus, over-tensioning can have an extremely negative impact on compliance with therapy because patients are reluctant to use the mask as frequently and/or for as long as instructed. Treatment compliance is increasing in importance as insurance and medical guidelines are requiring the industry to confirm compliance in their patient population.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a wearable device is provided that is structured to apply contact pressure between the wearable device and a skin surface of a wearer, such as a patient interface device. The wearable device includes: a first member configured to have a first pressure applied thereto, such as a panel member; a contact member configured to apply the contact pressure to the skin surface in response to the first pressure, such as a sealing cushion; and a support member positioned between the first member and the contact member, the support member comprising a plurality of compression members, wherein each of the compression members is configured to flex in response to a compression force having at least a first predetermined level being applied to the support member.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system adapted to provide a respiratory therapy regimen to a patient according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is an isometric view and fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a patient seal assembly of a patient interface device forming part of the system shown in fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

fig. 4 is a top view of a sealing cushion forming a portion of the patient interface device shown in fig. 2 and 3 according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing liner shown in FIG. 4 taken along line A-A of FIG. 3;

fig. 6 is a top view of a support member forming a portion of the patient interface device shown in fig. 2 and 3, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the support member shown in FIG. 6 taken along line B-B of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a cross-section of a support member made in the middle;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the patient seal assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 taken along line C-C of FIG. 2;

10-13 are partial cross-sectional schematic views of an alternative support member according to various alternative exemplary embodiments that may be used in the seal assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a patient interface device according to an alternative exemplary embodiment;

fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the patient interface device shown in fig. 14 taken along line D-D;

fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the patient interface device shown in fig. 14;

FIG. 17 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative seal assembly that may be used in the patient interface device shown in FIG. 14;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are front and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a seal assembly according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating an alternative compression member according to various alternative exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept;

fig. 21 is a partial cutaway rear view of a patient interface device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the phrase "two or more parts or components are 'coupled to'," shall mean that the parts are connected or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components), so long as a connected relationship occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other.

As used herein, the word "monolithic" means that the component is made as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes multiple pieces that are separately made and then coupled together as a unit is not a "monolithic" component or object. As used herein, the phrase "two or more portions or components are" engaged with "one another shall mean that the portions exert forces on one another either directly or through one or more intermediate portions or components. As used herein, the term "number" will mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

As used herein, the term "buckling" shall refer to a structural failure mode that occurs when a relatively tall/thin structural member is stressed and lateral instability causes the structural member to buckle abruptly. The force at which the structural member begins to buckle is a function of the geometry and material of the structural member.

As used herein, the term "elastic material" shall refer to a material that exhibits elastic, rather than viscous, properties when subjected to deformation, and therefore does not exhibit time-dependent strain. Thus, as used herein, the term "elastic material" refers to a material that deforms under the influence of an applied stress and instantaneously returns to its original state once the stress is removed, thus recovering from substantially all deformation. As used herein, the terms "transient" and "instantaneously" shall mean occurring with little delay; instantly or immediately; immediately.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and without limitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, rear and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

Fig. 1 generally illustrates a system 2 adapted to provide a respiratory therapy regimen to a patient according to an exemplary embodiment. System 2 includes a pressure generating device 4, a delivery conduit 6, and a patient interface device 8. Pressure generating device 4 is structured to produce a flow of breathing gas, and may include, but is not limited to, a ventilator, a constant pressure support device (such as a continuous positive airway pressure device, or CPAP device), a variable pressure device (e.g., manufactured and distributed by Philips Respironics, Mulisville, Pa.)

Or C-Flex^TMDevice) and an auto-titration pressure support device. Delivery conduit 6 is structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas from pressure generating device 4 to patient interface device 8. Delivery catheter 6 and patient interface device 8 are commonly referred to collectively as a patient circuit.

As seen in fig. 1, patient interface device 8 includes a patient sealing assembly 12, which in the illustrated embodiment is a nasal/oral mask. However, other types of patient sealing assemblies may be substituted for patient sealing assembly 12, such as, but not limited to, a nasal mask, nasal cushion (e.g., "pillow" or "saddle" type), or full face mask, which facilitate delivery of a flow of breathing gas to the airway of a patient, while remaining within the scope of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an isometric view and fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the patient sealing member 12 according to an exemplary embodiment. The patient sealing assembly 12 includes: (i) a sealing cushion 14 having a sealing flap 16, (ii) a panel member 18 coupled to the sealing cushion 14 at an end of the sealing cushion 14 opposite the sealing flap 16, and (iii) a support member 20 disposed between the panel member 18 and the sealing flap 16. The structure of each of the seal cushion 14, the panel member 18, and the support member 20 will be described in greater detail herein. Patient interface device 8 also includes a headgear component 22 (fig. 1) that includes a plurality of straps 24 (at loop member 25 extending from panel member 18) for securing patient interface device 8 to the head of a patient.

As seen in fig. 1-3, the panel member 18 includes a generally triangular body portion 26 having a flange 28 extending about its rear perimeter. Flange 28 defines the rear opening of panel member 18 and is contoured in a manner designed to generally match the facial surface and geometry of the wearer of patient interface device 8. The panel member 18 includes an integral fluid coupling conduit 30 extending from the body portion 26 and fluidly coupled to the body portion 26. In use, delivery conduit 6 is coupled to coupling conduit 30, and thus coupling conduit 30 is the mechanism by which breathing gas is delivered from pressure generating device 4 to patient interface device 8. In the exemplary embodiment, panel member 18 is fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate, injection molded thermoplastic, or silicone.

Fig. 4 is a top view of a seal cushion 14 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing liner 14 taken along line a-a of fig. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing liner 14 is defined as a unitary, soft, flexible, cushion-like material such as, but not limited to, silicone, a suitably soft thermoplastic elastomer, a closed cell foam, or any combination of such materials. The sealing cushion 14 includes a lower support portion 32 configured to be attached to the interior of the body portion 26 of the panel member 18, and an upper support portion 34 coupled to a distal end of the lower support portion. The sealing flap 16 is coupled to the distal end of the upper support portion 34. Sealing flap 16 is contoured in a manner designed to generally match the facial surface and geometry of the wearer of patient interface device 8, and is structured and arranged to engage and generally form a fluid seal against the face of the wearer of patient interface device 8.

Fig. 6 is a top view of support member 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the support member 20 taken along line B-B of fig. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 20 is defined as a unitary, flexible, resilient, elastomeric material such as, but not limited to, silicone, closed cell foam, or any combination of such materials. In the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment shown, support member 20 includes a top flange 36, a bottom flange 38, and a plurality of compression members 40. As seen in fig. 6 and 7, each compression member 40 extends from top flange 36 to bottom flange 38. Top flange 36 and bottom flange 38 are contoured in a manner designed to generally match the facial surfaces and geometry of the wearer of patient interface device 8. As described in greater detail herein, each of compression members 40 is structured and configured to flex when pressure is applied to patient interface device 8 (e.g., by tensioning straps 24 of headgear component 22) in a direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each compression member 40.

In addition, as shown in fig. 7, the compression members 40 are defined in the inner surface 42 and the outer surface 44 of the support member 20. As seen in fig. 8, fig. 8 is a schematic view of a cross-section of support member 20 taken at the middle of any of support members 40, support member 20 including orthogonal or square interconnection points 46 at outer surface 44 between each compression member 40 and top and

bottom flanges

36, 38, and rounded interconnection points 48 at inner surface 42 between each compression member 40 and top and

bottom flanges

36, 38. Such a configuration would cause the compression member 40 to deflect to flex in the direction shown by the arrow in fig. 8 toward the exterior of the support member 20 when the compression member 40 is subjected to a pressure above a certain threshold level. The importance of this buckling direction is described elsewhere herein.

As seen in fig. 2 and 9, fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the patient seal assembly 12 taken along line C-C of fig. 2, with the support member 20 positioned between the flange 28 of the panel member 18 and the upper support portion 34 of the seal cushion 14 and the sealing flap 16 when the patient seal assembly 12 is assembled. Specifically, a bottom flange 38 of support member 20 engages and abuts flange 28 of frame member 18, and a top flange 36 of support member 20 engages and abuts upper support portion 34 of seal cushion 14. As can be seen in fig. 9, the lower support portion 32 of the seal cushion 14 is fixedly attached to the body portion 26 of the panel member 18 at the upper portion 50 of the panel member 18. Attachment herein may be accomplished by any of a variety of mechanisms, such as (but not limited to) using an adhesive or overmolding the panel member 18 and the sealing liner 14 during production. Additionally, in the non-limiting embodiment shown, the support member 20 is not fixedly attached to the panel member 18 or the seal cushion 14, but rather "floats" between these two components. In alternative embodiments, the bottom flange 38 may be fixedly attached to the flange 28, such as by an adhesive or overmolding.

During use, the support member 20 functions as an adaptive flexion mechanism that flexes when the expected contact pressure on the face (e.g., as applied by the straps 24 of the headgear component 20) is reached. More specifically, with the application of such a strip force, the bracing member 20 will be compressed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of each compression member 40, and when a certain predetermined contact pressure has been reached, each compression member 40 will flex towards the outside of the bracing member 20 as shown in fig. 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the geometry and/or material of each compression member 40 is selected such that when each compression member 40 undergoes the flexion just described, the desired contact pressure will be applied to the proximal surface of the face. As noted elsewhere herein, the nature of square interconnection points 46 and rounded interconnection points 48 causes compression member 40 to deflect to flex in a direction toward the exterior of patient interface device 8 and away from the interior of patient interface device 8. This feature ensures that the compression member 40 will not undesirably engage the lower support portion 32 of the seal cushion 14 when flexed.

Accordingly, the disclosed concept provides a patient interface device 8 that avoids undesirable over-tensioning that may cause red marks and indentations by including an adaptively buckling support member 20 that is structured to buckle when a desired contact pressure has been reached. This configuration allows patient interface device 8 to conform to the wearer's face without forming undesirable pressure points and localized protrusions. This configuration also avoids deformations in one region of patient interface device 8 from affecting the geometry in other regions of patient interface device 8, which may result in wrinkles and/or other undesirable structural deformations such as (but not limited to) in components of sealing member 14.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of an alternative support member 20-10 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. The support member 20-10 is similar to the support member 20 described elsewhere herein, and may be used as an alternative thereto. As can be seen in fig. 10, the support member 20-10 includes a top flange 36 and a bottom flange 38 as described elsewhere herein. The support member 20-10 differs from the support member 20 in that the support member 20-10 includes alternative compression members 52 at side regions thereof, and alternative compression members 54 at top and bottom regions thereof.

Compression members

52 and 54 are similar in structure to compression member 40 described herein, except that

compression members

52 and 54 have different thicknesses in a plane perpendicular to their longitudinal axes. Specifically, the compression member 52 has a first thickness t1, and the compression member 54 has a second thickness t2, where t1> t 2. The thickness t1 of compression member 52 and the thickness t2 of compression member 54, among other factors, will control the contact pressure at which

compression members

52, 54 will flex (i.e., the greater the thickness, the greater the contact pressure required to flex). Thus, the configuration shown in FIG. 10 provides a support member 20-10 in which the contact pressure at which buckling will occur varies depending on the location around its perimeter (which is under consideration). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact pressure required for buckling is greater at the side regions than at the top and bottom regions.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of an alternative support member 20-11 according to another alternative exemplary embodiment. The support member 20-11 is similar to the support member 20 described elsewhere herein, and may be used as an alternative thereto. As seen in fig. 11, support member 20-11 includes a top flange 36, a bottom flange 38, and a compression member 40 as described elsewhere herein. Support member 20-11 differs from support member 20 in that support member 20-11 further includes air-tight webbing 56, with each webbing 56 being disposed between an adjacent pair of compression members 40. Thus, webbing 56 may be used in applications where it is necessary to make compression members 20-11 airtight. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness and/or stiffness of webbing member 56 may be reduced as compared to the thickness and/or stiffness of compression members 42, minimizing the coupling between compression members 40, so as to allow compression members 42 to flex independently. It should be understood that support members 20-11 having compression members 40 and web members 56 of different air pressures may be formed by an overmolding process or may be formed separately and subsequently bonded to one another.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of another alternative support member 20-12 according to another alternative exemplary embodiment. Support member 20-12 is similar to support member 20-11 just described, except that support member 20-12 includes an alternative webbing 56' that each has a curved shape including an angled portion 58, rather than being substantially linear. This configuration of webbing members 56 further reduces the coupling between compression members 40.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of an alternative support member 20-13 according to yet another alternative exemplary embodiment. The support members 20-13 are similar to the support members 20 described elsewhere herein, and may be used as an alternative thereto. As seen in fig. 13, support members 20-13 include a top flange 36, a bottom flange 38, and a compression member 40. As also seen in fig. 13, each compression member 40 includes a thickness or width dimension W and a length dimension L, each lying in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the compression member 40. The support member 20-13 differs from the support member 20 in that some of the pressure receiving members 40 have a length dimension L extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line tangent to the outer periphery of the support member 20-13 at the pressure receiving member 40, and some of the pressure receiving members 40 have a length dimension L extending in a direction substantially parallel to a line tangent to the outer periphery of the support member 20-13 at the pressure receiving member 40. Such a configuration would result in compression members 40 having different (and thus controlled) buckling directions, as indicated by the arrows in fig. 13, with each buckling direction being determined by the orientation of compression member 40 under consideration. This configuration will in turn help to avoid undesired shearing of the compression member 40. In an exemplary embodiment, compression members 40 are spaced apart from one another such that they do not contact one another when fully flexed.

Fig. 14 is a side view of a patient interface device 60 according to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Patient interface device 60 is similar to patient interface device 8 described elsewhere herein, and like components are identified with like reference numerals. Patient interface device 60 differs from patient interface device 8 in that patient interface device 60 includes an alternative support system 62 disposed between flange 28 of seal cushion 14 and upper support portion 34 that includes a plurality of individual compression members 64 that are each attached to the underside of flange 28 of base plate member 18. This configuration is illustrated in fig. 15, where fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of fig. 14. As seen in fig. 15, each compression member 64 includes a rounded inner connection point 66 and a square outer connection point 68 where the compression member 64 attaches to the flange 28. These features will cause each compression member 64 to flex in the flexion direction shown in fig. 15 toward the outside of patient interface device 60. In another alternative embodiment shown in fig. 16, support system 62 may be formed as a unitary member (labeled 62 'in fig. 16) having a bottom flange 66, with a plurality of compression members 64' attached to bottom flange 66.

Fig. 17 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view of an alternative patient interface device 60-17 that is similar to patient interface device 60 described above, except that in this embodiment compression members 64 are staggered along the underside of flange 28 of phase plate member 18.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a seal assembly 70 according to yet another alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of seal assembly 70 taken along line E-E of fig. 18. The seal assembly 70 shown in fig. 18 and 19 is a pillow type nasal cushion. The seal assembly 70 includes: (i) a body portion 72 configured to receive a flow of breathing gas from a pressure generating device, such as pressure generating device 4, (ii) a nasal cannula member 74 (which is one of a pair of such nasal cannula members) fixedly coupled to body portion 72 by, for example and without limitation, an adhesive, and (iii) a support member 78 disposed between a bottom flange 76 of nasal cannula member 74 and a top portion of body portion 72. The body portion 72 and the nasal cannula member 74 are each made of a soft, flexible, cushion-like material such as, but not limited to, silicone, a suitably soft thermoplastic elastomer, closed cell foam, or any combination of such materials, and the support member 78 is defined as a unitary body of a flexible, resilient elastomeric material such as, but not limited to, silicone, closed cell foam, or any combination of such materials.

In the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment shown, the support member 78 includes a top flange 80, a bottom flange 82, and a plurality of compression members 84. As seen in fig. 18 and 19, each compression member 84 extends from the top flange 80 to the bottom flange 82. In addition, each of the compression members 84 is structured and arranged to flex when pressure is applied to the patient interface device 70 (e.g., by tensioning of straps of a headgear component used therewith) in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of each compression member 84.

Additionally, as shown in fig. 19, compression members 84 are defined in the inner and outer surfaces of the support members 84, and the support members 78 include orthogonal or square interconnection points at the outer surface 44 between each compression member 84 and the top and

bottom flanges

80, 82, and rounded interconnection points at the inner surface 42 between each compression member 84 and the top and

bottom flanges

80, 82. Such a configuration will deflect the compression member 84 to flex in a direction toward the exterior of the support member 78 (and away from the nasal cannula 74) when subjected to pressure above a certain threshold level.

In other alternative embodiments, compression members as described herein may be angled relative to the compression direction shown in fig. 20, where fig. 20 shows the compression member 40 and alternative angled compression members 40' and 40 "of the first embodiment described herein.

Fig. 21 is a partial cutaway rear view of patient interface device 86 according to another alternative exemplary embodiment. Patient interface device 86 includes a patient sealing assembly 88, which in the illustrated embodiment is a nasal/oral mask. The patient sealing assembly 88 includes a cushion 90 coupled to a frame member 92. Frame member 92 includes a faceplate portion 94 to which cushion 90 is fluidly attached. Frame member 88 also includes a forehead support member 96 coupled to faceplate portion 94 by a connecting member 98. A forehead pad (not shown) is coupled to a rear portion of forehead support member 96. Additionally, a support member 100 similar to support member 20 described herein is disposed between the forehead cushion and forehead support member 96. The support member 100 includes a compression member 102 similar to compression member 40 and adapted to be local in the manner described herein.

It should also be understood that the disclosed concepts as described herein are not limited to use on or in a patient interface device. Rather, the disclosed concept can be used in connection with any human and/or animal wearable device, as long as a contact pressure between the wearable device and the skin is desired. Non-limiting examples of such wearable devices include, but are not limited to, heart rate monitors (with electrodes strapped to the chest), goggles (e.g., swimming goggles and ski goggles), wristwatches, wristbands, jewelry, helmets, saddles, and the like.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" or "comprises" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these elements cannot be used to advantage.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A wearable device (8, 60, 70, 86) configured to apply contact pressure between the wearable device and a skin surface of a wearer, the wearable device comprising:

a first member (18, 72, 96) configured to have a first pressure applied thereto;

a contact member (14, 74) configured to apply the contact pressure to the skin surface in response to the first pressure; and

a support member (20, 62, 78) positioned between the first member and the contact member, the support member including at least one support member flange and a plurality of compression members (40, 52, 54, 64, 84) extending from the at least one support member flange, wherein the support member is a monolithic member formed separately from the first member and the contact member, each of the compression members being configured to buckle in response to pressure applied to the support member having at least a first predetermined level, the buckling being a sudden bending of the compression members due to lateral instability.

2. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is a patient interface device for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient, the first member is structured to receive the flow of breathing gas from a pressure generating device, and the contact member is a sealing member structured to form a seal against a face of a wearer of the patient interface device.

3. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein the first member is a panel member having a body portion and a flange, and the sealing member is a sealing cushion attached to the panel member, wherein the sealing cushion includes a sealing surface, and the support member is disposed between the flange of the panel member and the sealing surface.

4. The wearable device according to claim 3, wherein the sealing cushion comprises a sealing flap coupled to an upper support portion, the sealing surface is disposed on the sealing flap, and the support member is disposed between the flange of the panel member and the upper support portion.

5. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein each of the compression members deflects to flex in a direction away from an interior of the patient interface device in response to pressure having at least a first predetermined level being applied to the support member.

6. The wearable device according to claim 5, wherein an end of each compression member is attached to the at least one support member flange at a first connection point between the compression member and the at least one support member flange and at a second connection point between the compression member and the at least one support member flange, and wherein each first connection point is rounded and each second connection point is square to deflect the compression member to flex in a direction away from an interior of the patient interface device.

7. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein each of the compression members has a first thickness, the support member comprises a plurality of second compression members, each of the second compression members has a second thickness different from the first thickness, and each of the second compression members is configured to flex in response to a second pressure having at least a second predetermined level applied to the support member.

8. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein the compression members are spaced around a perimeter of the support member, and the support member further comprises a plurality of web members, each web member being disposed between a respective pair of adjacent compression members.

9. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein the support member includes a plurality of second compression members, each of the compression members and the second compression members having a width dimension and a length dimension longer than the width dimension, the length dimension of each compression member extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line tangent to the outer periphery of the support member at the compression member, and the length dimension of each second compression member extending in a direction substantially parallel to a line tangent to the outer periphery of the support member at the second compression member.

10. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein the first member is a body portion of a pillow-type nasal cushion and the sealing member is a nasal cannula attached to the body portion, wherein the nasal cannula includes a bottom surface and the support member is disposed between the body portion and the bottom surface of the nasal cannula.

11. The wearable device according to claim 2, wherein the support member is structured such that a longitudinal axis of each of the compression members is orthogonal to a facial surface of the patient responsive to the patient interface device being donned by the patient.

12. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is made of an elastic material.

13. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein an end of each compression member is attached to the at least one support member flange at a first connection point between the compression member and the at least one support member flange and at a second connection point between the compression member and the at least one support member flange, and wherein each first connection point is rounded and each second connection point is square in order to deflect the compression member to flex in a predetermined direction.

14. The wearable device according to claim 1, wherein the compression members are spaced apart along the support member, and the support member further comprises a plurality of webbing members, each webbing member being disposed between a respective pair of adjacent compression members.